Search form

Search form

Although the disagreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union is not over, both sides have agreed to "a period of calm" that will allow business as usual through the holidays. The news is expected to provide welcome relief to online retailers and other businesses. Many retailers had made alternative plans for holiday deliveries, but some said consumers were pulling back out of concerns they may not receive their goods.

Related Summaries

Although the disagreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union is not over, both sides have agreed to "a period of calm" that will allow business as usual through the holidays. The news is expected to provide welcome relief to online retailers and other businesses. Many retailers had made alternative plans for holiday deliveries, but some said consumers were pulling back out of concerns they may not receive their goods.

Truworths and Foschini, two of the largest clothing retailers in South Africa, released slowing sales results as they warned of tough trading conditions as the country continues to struggle with an economic downturn. Truworths said total sales between June 29 and Nov. 1 reached 2.3 billion rand, a 10% increase.

Suning, one of the largest electronics retailers in China, reported revenues of CNY41.574 billion in the first three quarters of the year, an increase of 6.32% over the same period the previous year. Profit rose 15.38% over the same period. Suning offered a bright outlook for the fourth quarter of the year, expecting 2009 profit to be up by as much as 40% over 2008.

Limited Brands, a major US-based fashion and beauty company, said it plans to open Victoria's Secret stores in the UK and other strategic markets. Also, a dedicated European online retail site will be developed. The company also is searching for a franchise partner for its Bath & Body Works chain.

Columnist Shobhana Subramanian explains how India's retail marketplace is changing. Several major retail chains, she writes, will find expansion difficult because of a lack of funding and the government's aversion to foreign direct investment. She also said it has become apparent that niche formats will struggle to find a place in the market.